International Business

Program Description

The international business curriculum is designed to enable the student to examine and understand the complexities and processes involved in the international business community. Coursework provides exposure to the historical, legal, political, and economic factors that are key elements in a study of this subject. The dynamics of conducting business in an international context are examined.

This program is offered at the St. Louis home campus.

The MA in international business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Learning Outcomes

• Graduates can demonstrate foundation knowledge in the functional areas of a global business.
• Graduates can analyze the complexities of global businesses.
  • Graduates can identify cultural aspects, and infer how culture affects the business environment in global regions.
  • Graduates can apply administrative and managerial theories as they relate to problem solving in the global business context.
  • Graduates can select and apply appropriate tools for facilitation of international trade.
• Graduates can select, explain, and apply strategies and tools for solving complex problems posed by managing global businesses.

Program Curriculum

The 39 credit hours required for the master of arts (MA) in international business or the 65 credit hours required for the master of business administration (MBA) with an emphasis in international business must include the following courses:

• INTB 5000 International Business (Requisite Course) (3 hours)
• INTL 5000 Introduction to International Relations (Requisite Course) (3 hours)
• BUSN 5200 Basic Finance for Managers (3 hours)
  or FINC 5000 Finance (3 hours)
• INTL 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
• INTB 5630 International Law and Business (3 hours)
• MNGT 5710 Cross-Cultural Management (3 hours)
• MRKT 5730 International Marketing (3 hours)
• BUSN 5220 Global Supply Chain Management (3 hours)
• INTB 5600 International Accounting (3 hours)
• FINC 5840 International Finance (3 hours)
• INTB 5740 Global Topics I (1 hour)
• INTB 5750 Global Topics II (1 hour)
• INTB 5760 Advanced Global Topics (1 hour)
• INTB 6000 Integrated Studies in International Business (3 hours) 
• Elective (3 hours)

In addition, students are required to meet one of the following criteria:

• A study-abroad course experience
• A hybrid course experience

The student chooses elective courses offered in this major and/or from the program curricula of other majors. If the requisite course is waived, the student must choose an elective course from this major or from the program curriculum of another major. Students pursuing dual majors who have the requisite course(s) waived will complete only the remaining required courses for the dual majors.

Application Requirements

• An International Application. Non-U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens applying from outside the U.S. and any student applying to a campus outside the United States should apply online at www.webster.edu/apply. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required. Application fees vary based upon the campus location, please contact the campus you wish to attend.
• Official transcripts from the educational institution from which the student earned their first bachelors-level degree. For U.S. institutions, this means accreditation from a regional accrediting body. Non-U.S. institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education as a university-level provider of higher education and accredited by any appropriate agencies within the home country and any countries in which it operates and/or issues degrees. This transcript and/or diploma must show the degree received and the date conferred. Applicants previously enrolled in graduate-level coursework must submit official transcripts of that work.

Note: Graduate applicants who apply and are provisionally accepted either by submitting unofficial transcripts or before completing their undergraduate degree must submit a final transcript indicating the degree received and the date conferred. If transcripts do not indicate degree or conferral date a copy of diploma is required. This official transcript must be on file within eight weeks from the beginning of the student's starting term for full acceptance to the University.

To be considered official, transcripts must be received by Webster University directly from the issuing institution. If the student is to deliver transcripts, they must be in sealed, unopened envelopes and certified with the official seal of the issuing institution. All official transcripts and documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Additional Application Requirements

• Documentation of English Language Proficiency: All applicants, regardless of program or enrollment location, whose primary language is not English must document their English language proficiency at the time of application. Applicants normally satisfy this requirement by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Academic IELTS, or Pearson scores.
• A 300- to 400-word essay on a topic of your choice. You may describe a special interest, experience, or achievement or a curriculum vitae (résumé) that documents prior employment and experience.
• One letter of recommendation from a professor and/or an employer.
• Additional official documentation may be required depending upon an applicant's program of interest or previous educational background. See program page for details.
• Applying for a visa: Students requiring a visa to study in the country in which their campus is located will be required to provide additional documentation for the visa process. Visa documentation requirements can vary at international campus locations depending upon the applicant's citizenship status and/or country of origin at the time of acceptance to the University. Applicants should check with the campus they plan to attend for specifics. The University will notify applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the application file. For current information, please contact the campus at which you plan to enroll.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose primary language is not English must document their English language proficiency at the time of application. Applicants normally satisfy this requirement by submitting official scores within the past two years of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Academic IELTS scores. The scores required for admission are as follows:

• TOEFL: iBT - 80
• IELTS: Academic: 6.5
• Pearson: 61

Equivalent Cambridge, Oxford, NEAB, TEEP, Academic IELTS, and London Certificate test results that are current can be considered in lieu of the TOEFL. Students who cannot document current evidence of English proficiency should contact the campus to which they are applying for possible on-site testing. In such cases, testing must be completed before the admission decision will be made. Webster University will refer for testing any applicant for admission about whose English language proficiency an admissions officer has concerns. All English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations and requirements are a condition of the applicant's admission, enrollment, and/or continued enrollment at the University.